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Douma chemical attack

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2018 Douma chemical attack
Part of the Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018), Siege of Eastern Ghouta, (Syrian Civil War)
TypeChemical attack
Location
Douma, Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria

33°34′16″N 36°24′17″E / 33.57111°N 36.40472°E / 33.57111; 36.40472
Date7 April 2018
06:30 [citation needed] (UTC+03:00)
Executed bySyrian Arab Army (alleged)[1][2]
Casualties48–70+[3][4] killed
500+[4] injured
Douma is located in Syria
Douma
Douma
Location of Douma within Syria

On 7 April 2018, a suspected chemical attack was carried out in the Syrian city of Douma, with at least 70 people killed by the attack.[5][4] On-site medics stated the cause of those deaths was exposure to chlorine and sarin gas.[6] Several reports attributed the attack to the Syrian Army which in turn were disputed by the Syrian government and its allies who denied that a chemical attack had taken place.[4]

Background

Main article: Use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Civil War

The chemical attack in Douma reportedly happened on 7 April 2018. Douma was controlled by Jaysh al-Islam rebel coalition.[7][8][9] Al-Rahman Legion and Tahrir al-Sham rebel groups controlled the area around the city.[8][9]

Chemical weapons have previously been used by Bashar al-Assad's force according to the OPCW and the United Nations. Human Rights Watch has documented 85 chemical weapons attacks in Syria since 2013.[10] For example, investigations by the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism have concluded that the Syrian government has previously used chemical weapons such as sarin in the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack.[11][12] The Syrian government and Russia claimed the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack came from a rebel operated chemical weapon workshop, however their claim has been disproved by OPCW investigations.[13] The 2017 Shayrat missile strike was conducted by the USA in response to Khan Shaykhun chemical attack.

There were also reported incidents of chemical weapons use specifically in Douma in January 2018; however, Russia vetoed a potential United Nations mission to investigate.[14][15] Two smaller chlorine gas attacks have been also reported in the city of Douma one month before—one on 7 March and another on 11 March.[10] On 18 February, the Syrian Arab Army launched an offensive in Eastern Ghouta in a bid to dislodge rebels and capture the stronghold.[16] The offensive split the Eastern Ghouta pocket into three pockets, two of which were secured via evacuation deals between the rebels, Syria, and Russia. Douma, the holdout, was poised to to be taken by ground offensive after a series of airstrikes.

Attack

Seventy deaths were attributed to the attack by the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, a humanitarian organization that supervises medical services in the region. On-site medics reported that the cause of those deaths was exposure to chlorine and sarin gas.[6] A video from the scene of the attack showed lifeless men, women, and children with foam at their mouths.[17] Injuries were also reported, with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) reporting that over 500 people at Douma "were brought to local medical centers with symptoms indicative of exposure to a chemical agent."[18] SAMS also said that a chlorine bomb struck a Douma hospital, killing six people there, and that another attack with "mixed agents" hit a building nearby.[19] According to the Syrian opposition groups, witnesses also reported a strong smell of chlorine during the attack and said that effects appeared stronger than in previous attacks of this kind.[20] Syrian opposition activists also posted videos of yellow compressed gas cylinders that they said were used during the attack.[20] Based on the symptoms and the speed with which the victims were affected, medical workers and experts suggested that either a combination of chlorine with another gas or a nerve agent was used.[20]

Aftermath

The day after the alleged chemical attack, all rebels controlling Douma agreed to a deal with the government to surrender the area.[21]

In the early hours of 9 April 2018, an airstrike was conducted against Tiyas Military Airbase, reportedly killing several people.[22] The United States denied launching the airstrike, and an Israeli spokeswoman declined to comment.[23] Russia said Israel was responsible, and that two Israeli F-15I jets attacked the airfield from Lebanese airspace, firing 8 missiles of which 5 were intercepted, according to claims by Russia.[24] According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, at least 14 people were killed and more were wounded.[25] Among the dead were seven Iranian soldiers.[26]

On 10 April, there were competing UN Security Council solutions on how to handle the response to the alleged chemical attack. The U.S., France and UK vetoed a Russian-proposed UN resolution. Russia had also vetoed the U.S.'s proposed resolution to create "a new investigative mechanism to look into chemical weapons attacks in Syria and determine who is responsible."[27][28] Syria and Russia have invited the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate if chemical weapons were used.[29]

On 14 April, France, the United Kingdom and the United States launched airstrikes against four Syrian government targets in response to the attack.[30]

Reactions

Civil society

Several medical,[31] monitoring, and activist groups[4]—including the White Helmets—reported that Syrian Army helicopters dropped barrel bombs on the city of Douma.[32][33][34][35][36] The bombs, suspected to be filled with chemical munitions such as chlorine gas and sarin,[37][38] caused severe convulsions in some residents and suffocated others.[17]

Government

Russia and Syria

Russia and Iran have said that the Douma attack was a false flag attack.[39]

 Russia - The Russian Foreign Ministry on 8 April denied that chemical weapons had been used, denouncing the reports as another example of a "continuous series of fake news about the use of chlorine and other chemical agents by the government forces".[40] A few days later, the Russian military said that the chemical attack had been staged and filmed by members of the White Helmets organization and no trace of any chemical weapons use had been detected by Russian experts who researched the alleged site on 9 April.[41][42] Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Russia has evidence of the 'United Kingdom's direct involvement' in the organization of what he referred to as 'the provocation in Eastern Ghouta'.[43] On 13 April, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that Britain "staged" the attack in order to provoke U.S. airstrikes.[44][45]

On 13 March 2018, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, claimed that the Russian military had intelligence indicated that the rebels holding Eastern Ghouta were planning to stage a chemical weapons attack against civilians and blame it on the Syrian forces, which the U.S. government would use as a pretext to bomb the government quarter in Damascus.[46][47][48] He said Russia would respond militarily to the U.S. attack on Syria "against both the rockets, and the platforms from which they’re fired" if the lives of Russian servicemen were threatened.[49][50] According to the CNN journalist Nic Robertson, the words by Gerasimov were an indication that the chemical attack in Douma was planned in advance as an asymmetric warfare tactic in response to reactions by the West after the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal [47]

 Syria - The Syrian state-owned Syrian Arab News Agency claimed that a Foreign Ministry source called allegations of Syria's use of chemical weapons an unconvincing stereotype.[51]

France, United States and United Kingdom

On 10 April, U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement following joint telephone calls that they had "agreed that the international community needed to respond to uphold the worldwide prohibition on the use of chemical weapons".[52]

 France - On 12 April, French President Emmanuel Macron said he has proof that the Syrian government attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons and at least used chlorine.[2][53] The BBC quotes U.S. officials as saying that urine and blood samples taken from victims have tested positively for traces of chlorine.[54]

 United Kingdom - Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said regarding reports on chemical attacks that "these latest reports must urgently be investigated and the international community must respond" and that "investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons [are] looking into reports of chemical weapons use in Syria have our full support. Russia must not yet again try to obstruct these investigations". He also condemned the use of chemical weapons in general, adding that "those responsible for the use of chemical weapons have lost all moral integrity and must be held to account."[55]

 United States - President Donald Trump condemned the attack on Twitter, saying "many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!"[56][57] Trump canceled his trip to the 8th Summit of the Americas, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.[58]

On 11 April, via Twitter, President Trump threateningly told Russia to "get ready" for "nice and new and 'smart' missiles," adding that "You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Vasily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, said that the United States would "bear responsibility" for any "illegal military adventure" they conducted.[59] The following day, Trump appeared to soften his resolve, tweeting that he "[n]ever said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!"[60]

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis stated the U.S. is still waiting on the OPCW investigation, but that he believes there was a chemical attack in Douma. Mattis also stated the reports of Sarin and Chlorin being used in the attack originated from media and social media reports.[61] [62]

Others

 Iran - The Foreign Ministry of Iran spokesman said: "While the Syrian army has the upper hand in the war against armed terrorists, it is not logical for them to use chemical weapons. Such claims and accusations [about chemical weapons use] by the Americans and some Western countries signal a new plot against the government and nation of Syria and is an excuse for military action against them."[63]

 Qatar - The Qatar Foreign Ministry condemned the use of chemical weapons, and called for an investigation into the incident and for punishment of those involved.[64]

 Saudi Arabia - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the use of chemical weapons, and stress the need for a peaceful solution based on the principles of the Geneva Declaration and UN Security Council resolutions.[65]

 Turkey - A spokesman for President Tayyip Erdogan said the "Syrian regime must give account for the attacks in various regions of the country at different times,” and called upon the international community to address war crimes and crimes against humanity. [66][67].

Intergovernment

 European Union - In a statement, the EU said that "the evidence points towards yet another chemical attack by the regime" and "it is a matter of grave concern that chemical weapons continue to be used, especially on civilians. The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons and calls for an immediate response by the international community". It also called for the United Nations Security Council to identify the perpetrators and for Russia and Iran to influence Assad against launching such attacks.[68]

 United Nations - On 10 April 2018, the United Nations Security Council failed to adopt three competing resolutions on an inquiry into the alleged chemical attack, with Russia and the United States clashing over the issue and exchanging military threats.[69][70]

See also

References

  1. ^ Hubbard, Ben (8 April 2018). "Dozens Suffocate in Syria as Government Is Accused of Chemical Attack". The New York Times.
  2. ^ a b "Syria 'chemical attack': France's President Macron says he has proof". BBC News. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  3. ^ CNN, Tamara Qiblawi and Frederik Pleitgen,. "Trump's Syria threat dismissed on streets of Damascus". {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b c d e "Suspected Syria chemical attack kills 70". BBC News. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  5. ^ Who We Are, uossm.org
  6. ^ a b Graham, Chris; Krol, Charlotte; Crilly, Rob; Ensor, Josie; Swinford, Steven; Riley-Smith, Ben; Emanuel, Louis (8 April 2018). "Russia blames Israel for attack on Syrian air base as pressure mounts over gas atrocity". Retrieved 9 April 2018 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  7. ^ "Which rebel groups are fighting in Syria's eastern Ghouta?". Deutsche Welle. 20 February 2018.
  8. ^ a b "Reports of Douma evacuation deal 'not true': council member". Al-Jazeera. 1 April 2018.
  9. ^ a b "Who are the rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government forces in Eastern Ghouta?" SBS News. 2 March 2018.
  10. ^ a b Kimball, Daryl; Davenport, Kelsey (April 2018). "Timeline of Syrian Chemical Weapons Activity, 2012-2018". Arms Control Association.
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  12. ^ UN panel blames Syrian forces for Khan Sheikhoun attack, Al-Jazeera, 27 October 2017
  13. ^ Press, Associated (10 April 2018). "Timeline of chemical weapons attacks in Syria" – via www.washingtonpost.com.
  14. ^ CNN, Richard Roth,. "Things got heated between the US and Russia today at the UN". Retrieved 9 April 2018. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ U.S. has no evidence of Syrian use of sarin gas, Mattis says. PBS, 2 February 2018
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  17. ^ a b "Syria war: Trump condemns Syria for 'chemical attack' on Douma". BBC. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
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  20. ^ a b c "Chlorine, sarin or something else? The big questions in the alleged Syrian chemical weapons attack". Washington Post. 11 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  21. ^ "America vows to respond to a suspected chemical attack in Syria". The Economist. 9 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  22. ^ Syria conflict: Strikes hit Syrian airfield, state media report, BBC, 9 April 2018
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  26. ^ "Israeli attack on T-4 Airbase killed 7 Iranian soldiers". 10 April 2018.
  27. ^ "USA, France and UK Vetoed Russian Resolution On Syria In U.N. Security Council".
  28. ^ "Russia vetoes Syria chemical weapons inquiry".
  29. ^ "OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria". www.opcw.org.
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  31. ^ "Syrian rebels evacuated from Douma reach northwest: monitor". Reuters. 10 April 2018.
  32. ^ "UK, US and France agree to HIT BACK over Syria chemical attack". 10 April 2018.
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  35. ^ Almasy, Steve (8 April 2018). "Dozens dead in possible gas attack in Syria; regime denies allegation". CNN.
  36. ^ Loveluck, Louisa; Cunningham, Erin (8 April 2018). "Dozens killed in apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria, rescue workers say". The Washington Post.
  37. ^ "Assad's deadly nerve gas that leaves victims foaming at the mouth before suffering seizures and death". 11 April 2018.
  38. ^ "Syria chemical attack would be the eighth since Trump took office".
  39. ^ Chulov, Martin; Shaheen, Kareem; Chrisafis, Angelique; Pengelly, Martin (8 April 2018). "Trump: 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical weapons attack". the Guardian.
  40. ^ "Moscow calls 'chemical attack' in Douma 'fake news,' warns against Syrian intervention". RT. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  41. ^ Генштаб РФ объявил об отправке в Думу российской военной полиции NEWSru, 11 April 2018.
  42. ^ White Helmets staged Douma ‘chemical weapons attack’ on civilians — Russian General Staff TASS, 11 April 2018.
  43. ^ Russian top brass reports it has proof of UK’s involvement in Douma chemical incident More: http://tass.com/defense/999641 TASS, 12 April 2018.
  44. ^ "Syria 'chemical attack' staged to provoke U.S. airstrikes, London pushed perpetrators – Russian MoD". RT.com. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  45. ^ "Russia blames UK for Syria chemical attack that killed dozens, many of them children". usatoday.com. Associated Press. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  46. ^ Editorial, Reuters. "Russia says U.S. plans to strike Damascus, pledges military response". {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
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  48. ^ "Twitter Axis Of Evil: Trump Tweets Threats To Syria, Russia, And Iran Over Chemical Attack In Syria". Inquisitr. 8 April 2018.
  49. ^ Боевики как повод для атаки: Россия готова ответить на удар США по Дамаску RIA Novosti, 13 March 2018.
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  51. ^ "Foreign Ministry: Allegations of using chemical weapons unconvincing stereotype – Syrian Arab News Agency". sana.sy. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
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  53. ^ {{cite web | url=http://www.dw.com/en/macron-assad-regime-used-chemical-weapons-on-syrias-douma/a-43359542 | title=Macron: Assad regime used chemical weapons on Syria's Douma | work={{Deutsche Welle]] | date=April 12, 2018 | accessdate=April 13, 2018}}
  54. ^ "Macron 'has Syria chemical attack proof'". 12 April 2018 – via www.bbc.com.
  55. ^ "Boris Johnson demands international response to reported Syria poison gas attack". Belfast Telegraph. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  56. ^ @realDonaldTrump (8 April 2018). "Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  57. ^ @realDonaldTrump (8 April 2018). "....to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  58. ^ Bierman, Noah (10 April 2018). "Trump, facing twin crises, will skip South America summit". Los Angeles Times.
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  61. ^ Defense Secretary James Mattis says attack on Syria "is not yet in the offing" CBS News, April 12, 2018
  62. ^ Mattis says: 'I believe there was a chemical attack in Syria' Reuters, April 12, 2018
  63. ^ "Iran condemns chemical weapons attacks, denies Syria’s role". Al-Monitor. 9 April 2018.
  64. ^ "Qatar calls for urgent international probe into chemical weapons use in Syria". The Peninsula. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  65. ^ "Saudi Arabia condemns Douma chemical attack". Arab News. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  66. ^ "Turkey condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria's Douma". Reuters. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  67. ^ "Those behind Douma chemical attack will pay, Erdoğan says". Hurriyet Daily News. 10 April 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  68. ^ "EU calls for response to 'yet another chemical attack' in Syria". Reuters. 8 April 2018.
  69. ^ Security Council fails to adopt three resolutions on chemical weapons use in Syria UN, 10 April 2018.
  70. ^ U.S., Russia clash at U.N. over chemical weapons attacks in Syria Reuters, 9 April 2018.
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